Former FBI Director Cautions Against Drug Importation

Despite the growing
chorus of voices speaking out against drug importation, Congress continues to consider legalizing the
practice. However, a new investigative report co-authored by former FBI Director Louis J. Freeh may inspire
policymakers to change their tune.

The United States has the global
gold standard drug review process, thanks to the FDA. This highly regulated, closed drug pipeline
ensures Americans receive safe and effective medicines. Drugs manufactured in foreign countries are not subject
to these same standards.
This increases the chance that medications imported from abroad might be counterfeit or manufactured under
sub-standard conditions, putting patient lives at risk.

The report also warns how legalizing drug importation would open U.S. borders to counterfeit opioids, adding to
America’s already extensive opioid crisis and straining our law enforcement’s capacity to combat crime.

Freeh further cautions:

“Drug importation proposals would deplete and overburden already limited resources… [and] force law
enforcement agencies to make tough prioritization decisions that leave the safety of the U.S. prescription drug
supply vulnerable to criminals seeking to harm patients.”

As policymakers look to improve our health care system, patient safety must remain a top priority. This recent
report is yet another reminder of how drug importation will endanger public health. Identifying strategies to
increase access to safe medicines without jeopardizing American’s well-being is a solution we can all
support.